Feast of the Assumption 2026

Sermon by Father Jonathan E Moore - LINK HERE

 

Feast of the Assumption 2026

 

Our Blessed Lady Journeys with us on our own path of faith. 

Today’s Feast stands as one of the most cherished celebration in the Catholic year. It commemorates the moment when, according to Catholic doctrine, the Blessed Virgin Mary was taken body and soul into heavenly glory at the end of her earthly life. This feast is not only in honour of Mary's unique role in salvation history but also a profound invitation to reflect on the hope and destiny promised to all believers.

Our Blessed Lady has rightly been described as the “Woman wrapped in Silence”. It is true that the Gospels tell us nothing of her between the Finding in the Temple, when Jesus was twelve, and the beginning of his public ministry – a period of twelve years. We hear her speak before Our Lord’s first miracle at the Cana wedding feast, she is mentioned briefly once more, and then we find her at the foot of the cross on the first Good Friday, taking on the care of Saint John, me and you and all humanity ever since then.

These few appearances in the Gospel, however, speak volumes, as silence so often does. Her whole life is one of unwavering faith, humility, and an absolute self-abandonment to God's will. The Annunciation is the opening bracket. Despite her quite understandable misgivings in the face of the unknown, she responded with her “Fiat”, “Let it be done to me according to your word",  at Cana in Galilee she interceded on behalf of the newly-weds, on Calvary she stood at the foot of the Cross. Every time this “Woman wrapped in Silence” appears she is the very embodiment of a life rooted in faith and love.

Her Assumption, body and soul  into heaven is, therefore, the necessary bracket at the end, not merely a reward, but the fulfilment of a persevering journey begun with humble trust and the gift of self.

In reflecting on this feast, we recognise Mary as the first disciple, the one who followed Christ most closely. Her Assumption is a sign that God honours those who are faithful, promising eternal life and resurrection to all who believe. Mary’s journey reminds us that our own path, though filled with challenges, can also end in glory if we trust in God and strive to follow His will.

As the Preface at Mass this weekend reminds us Assumption is also a foretaste of what God promises us; “the Virgin Mother of God was assumed into heaven as the beginning and image of your Church’s coming to perfection and a sign of sure hope and comfort to your pilgrim people.” 

The Catechism  teaches that: "The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son’s Resurrection" (CCC 966). This teaching offers comfort and hope, especially in times of loss. There is such reassurance to be found in the the funeral Mass liturgy: “Lord, for Your faithful people life is changed, not ended.”

There is so much fear and uncertainty in our daily lives, but the Feast of the Assumption assures us that God always keeps His promises. For this reason, we are people of hope, even though the future may look bleak. It is a hope which proclaims God’s power to both redeem and renew us too.

This celebration of the Assumption, however, also calls us to reflect on the way we live here and now. Our Mother Mary encourages us to embrace God’s will courageously, truly humble of heart. She brings hope and help to us, and we must do no less for those around us. Saint Paul tells us our hope is not deceptive (cf Romans 8:24), and we must try to live accordingly.

Our firm belief that Our Lady was taken, body and soul, into the glory of heaven also serves to remind us that our earthly existence is God-given and our bodies temples of the Holy Spirit. Human life, all human life, is sacred and should be treated with respect.

Mary is the Queen of Heaven. We turn to her in our prayers, seeking her intercession, her guidance, her protection and her motherly care. We are invited to deepen our relationship with Mary, asking her to help us grow in faith, hope, and charity

The Assumption is a call to strive for holiness, to make choices that proclaim our belief in eternal life, and to support one another on the journey of faith.

Above all, this is a celebration of God’s fidelity, Mary’s faithfulness, and the destiny that awaits each and every believer. It encourages us to lift our eyes beyond the trials of the present and to live each day with the hope and joy that comes from knowing we are called to share in the glory of Christ, as Mary now does. May the Assumption inspire us to walk in faith, trust in God’s promises, and look forward to the day when we, too, are united with Him in the fullness of life.

Martha, Mary and Lazarus

 

ARTICLE BY FATHER FRANCIS MAPLE - LINK HERE

In the little village of Bethany, not far from Jerusalem, there lived three siblings who were among the closest friends of Jesus: Martha, Mary of Bethany, and Lazarus of Bethany.  Scripture tells us simply and beautifully: “Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.”  Their home became a place of welcome, rest, and friendship for the Lord.

 

We first meet Martha and Mary when Jesus comes to dine with them.  Martha, the practical and capable sister, is busy with all the preparations.  She wants everything to be perfect.  Mary, meanwhile, sits at Jesus’ feet, listening to His words like a true disciple.  Frustrated and overwhelmed, Martha asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her.

 

Instead, Jesus gently replies, “Martha, Martha, you worry and fret about many things; yet few are needed - indeed only one.  Mary has chosen the better part.”

 

Poor Martha!  How many of us recognise ourselves in her?  Someone must cook, clean, organise, and take responsibility.  Martha’s service was generous and loving.  Yet in her anxiety she almost missed the joy of simply being with the Lord.  Jesus was not criticising her kindness; He was reminding her, and us, that no task, however necessary, should crowd out time with Him.

 

But Martha is far more than a flustered hostess.  In the Gospel of John, her greatness shines even more clearly.  When her brother Lazarus dies, Jesus delays His coming.  Grief fills the house.  Yet when Jesus finally arrives, it is Martha who goes out to meet Him.  With sorrow and faith mingled together she says, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.  But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, He will grant you.”

 

To Martha, practical, busy Martha, Jesus entrusts one of the most profound revelations in the Gospel: “I am the Resurrection and the Life.”  And she makes a magnificent confession of faith: “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God.”  It is after this profession that Lazarus is called from the tomb.  Martha’s faith helped prepare the ground for the miracle.

 

Mary too reveals her depth of love.  Later, at a supper in Bethany, she anoints Jesus’ feet with costly perfume and wipes them with her hair - an act of extravagant devotion.  While others criticise, Jesus defends her.  She has understood something of His coming Passion.  Her love is intuitive, contemplative, wholehearted.

 

And then there is Lazarus.  When Jesus stands before his tomb and calls, “Lazarus, come out!” the dead man walks forth.  This miracle reveals Christ’s divine authority over death and foreshadows His own Resurrection.  Lazarus becomes a living witness to the power of Jesus - so much so that others believe because of him.

 

What, then, does this family teach us?

 

Martha teaches us generous service - but also the need to pause and pray.  Mary teaches us deep listening and loving devotion - but not neglect of others.  Lazarus teaches us that Christ calls each of us out of our tombs - from sin, fear, and despair - into new life.

 

Jesus did not say that Martha’s way was wrong, nor that Mary’s was the only path.  Rather, in this beloved household we see the harmony of action and contemplation, work and worship, service and faith.  The Christian life needs both the active hands of Martha and the listening heart of Mary.  And it needs the living witness of Lazarus - people whose transformed lives point others to Christ.